Brakeman claims knee problems in suit against Union Pacific

After nearly four decades on the job, a St. Clair man says his former railroad employer should pay for damage allegedly done to his knees.

Gary R. Moore filed a lawsuit against Union Pacific Railroad Company Aug. 25 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.

Moore says he began working for Union Pacific in 1970 and performed various duties during his time with the company which included works as a brakeman, conductor and engineer. He says up to November 2008 he was exposed to multiple repetitive injuries to his knees.

Moore claims those knee injuries were caused by working conditions at the railroad. He says he was often required to lift heavy objects, set and release handbrakes and jump off locomotives from heights that he considers unsafe.

Along with unsafe working conditions, Moore contends Union Pacific had unsafe tracks and suspension systems on which the trains operated. He claims the continued stress to his knees eventually led to the need for al total knee replacement on his left knee.

Moore is suing Union Pacific for negligence and for alleged violations of the Federal Employers' Liability Act. He is asking for more than $150,000 in damages for medical expenses and court costs.

Attorney William P. Gavin of Belleville is representing Moore.

St. Clair County Circuit Court Case No. 11-L-479.